NBA Draft: Ausar Thompson Reportedly Withdraws from Pacers Workout

Overtime Elite guard and projected top-ten pick Ausar Thompson and his camp have reportedly decided for forego a solo workout with the Indiana Pacers on Friday, per Tony East of Fan Nation.

Update: Thompson has withdrawn from the workout, per a team source https://t.co/Z6szmaqDg8
— Tony East (@TonyREast) June 15, 2023

Thompson has been projected as high as fourth or fifth among various expert NBA mock drafts.

Of course, the 6-foot-7 hybrid's withdrawal from the workout could be one of several factors. Workouts can be strenuous, and with players like Thompson who have a wide range, it starts to put on mileage quickly.

But just days away from the 2023 NBA Draft, a moderately safe assumption is that Thompson and his camp feel he has a good chance to get drafted before the Pacers are on the clock at No. 7.

Of the teams drafting before Indiana, Houston at No. 4, Detroit at No. 5 and Orlando at No. 6 make the most sense.

Houston has reportedly, via various reports, honed in on Thompson’s brother, Amen, and Villanova Cam Whitmore at No. 4. But if the organization is truly intent on bringing back star point guard James Harden in free agency, Ausar makes sense for plenty of reasons as a super athletic, off-ball connective piece.

He fits similarly with the Pistons, who are reportedly going to play an “open” style of offense. With Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey primarily running the show, Thompson could thrive as a tertiary handler and playmaker while focusing on stingy defense.

Sounds like the Pistons are looking to play an "open" style on offense under Monty Williams.

So, in our latest mock draft, with that in mind and some intel a week away from the draft ... I keep that in mind when making the pick.

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— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) June 15, 2023

Of course, Thompson’s fit also makes sense in Orlando’s jumbo system alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. All three would have the ability to put the ball on the floor and play make.

Thompson could of course fall further than No. 6 on draft night depending on how the top of the draft shakes out. But for now, all signs are pointing towards him being a top-six selection.

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